Navy Yard Responds to Proposed Legislation to Run Rail Through Redevlopment Zones

Along with the Mayor of North Charleston and several civic and business organizations, the Navy Yard are voicing their opposition to proposed legislation that could sabotage the engine of economic and community redevelopment that is taking place in the heart of North Charleston. President and co-founder of the Noisette Company, John Knott has sent a letter to State Senator Glenn McConnell and State Representative Bobby Harrell.

“RE:    S351, §15 and Budget Proviso 4.38

Dear Mr. McConnell and Mr. Harrell:

We are writing to urge you to delete the two legislative proposals (referenced-above) that direct any railroad tracks or equipment existing on property that was once part of the former Charleston Naval Base to the ownership of the Division of Public Railways at the Department of Commerce (DPR). These legislative provisions 1) are not necessary to establish dual rail access to Charleston port terminals, 2) constitute a taking of private property that ultimately would prove expensive to the state, 3) could jeopardize the permits for the new port terminal and 4) may be impossible to implement because of property interests retained by the federal government.”

See the Navy Yard Blog post for details.

Here are some links for some other articles on the proposed legislation:

• “State’s sad record on new port facility“ Charleston Post & Courier Editorial – 19 April, 2009
• “Summey says amendment undermines progress“ Charleston Regional Business Journal – 21 April, 2009
• “Summey says ‘no deal’ to terminal exchange“ Charleston Regional Business Journal – 24 April, 2009
• “Port compromise needed in fairness to N. Charleston” Charleston Post & Courier – 25 April, 2009
• “Another Summey weighs in on North Charleston rail feud” Charleston Regional Business Journal – 27 April, 2009
• “Battle over rail heats up“ Charleston Post & Courier – 1 May, 2009
• “Cooperation vital to advance needed rail access at new port“ Charleston Post & Courier – 3 May, 2009
• “Lawmakers push compromise between railroad and North Charleston“ Charleston Regional Business Journal – 8 May, 2009
• “Officials grapple with port rail lines“ Charleston Post & Courier – 8 May, 2009
• “Taylor Encourages Residents to Question Rail Plan” MyParkCircle.com – 13 May, 2009
• “Residents Respond to Taylor’s Plea for Involvement“ MyParkCircle.com – 13 May, 2009
• “Campsen: MOU Must Be Honored, ‘I support Mayor Summey’” MyParkCircle.com – 14 May, 2009
• “Summey Asks Governor to Veto Legislation Provision: Says “State Cannot be Trusted” at Last Night’s Council Meeting” MyParkCircle.com – 15 May, 2009
• “Citizens Plan Mass Protests Against “Unholy Pact” between State and Norfolk Southern” MyParkCircle.com – 15 May, 2009

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